Benefits Of A Standing Desk: Improve Health And Productivity

Key Takeaways:

• The Benefits Of Standing Desks: Standing desks promote better posture, reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, and encourage continual movement, improving overall workplace ergonomics.
• Boosting Physical Health: They boost physical health by reducing the risk of obesity, lowering blood sugar levels, and decreasing the risk of heart disease while enhancing mood and energy levels.
• Wellness-Focused Workplace Practices: Incorporating standing desks into various work environments improves health and productivity and aligns with sustainable and wellness-focused workplace practices.

Work is evolving.

As the professional default becomes increasingly sedentary, the most useful advancements to the workplace foster health and productivity, and the standing desk is becoming highly popular. This transformative piece of office furniture is a trend and a cornerstone in the movement toward sustainable and health-conscious work environments. 

At FluidStance, we’re creating products to enhance workplace wellness, and many of our best sellers substantially boost your standing desk experience. Every successful product underscores the importance of integrating movement and ergonomic design into daily work routines.

In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of incorporating standing desks into our work life. 

The Ergonomic Advantages Of Standing Desks

Promotes Natural Posture

Traditional sitting desks often contribute to poor posture by encouraging slouched and forward-head positions. On the other hand, standing desks promote a more natural spine alignment. Standing enables your body to maintain its natural curvature, reducing the risk of developing postural problems such as chronic back pain and neck strain. FluidStance’s product line complements this advantage by offering balance boards like The Original and Level Balance Board, which further encourage subtle movements and adjustments, ensuring that your posture remains dynamic rather than static. Using a balance board with your standing desk adds an element of micro-movement that keeps your spine aligned and your core engaged. These subtle shifts can further reduce strain on your back and neck, enhancing the ergonomic benefits of standing desks.

Reduces Risk Of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Extensive sitting has been linked to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back pain, one of the most common work-related health issues. Standing desks counteract this risk by reducing the time spent sitting each day. Alternating between sitting and standing, which can be seamlessly achieved with adjustable standing desks, lets you significantly decrease the pressure on spinal discs and reduce the stiffness associated with prolonged sitting.

Enhances Circulation And Energy Levels

Standing up improves blood flow compared to sitting, facilitating better circulation throughout the body. Enhanced circulation supports cardiovascular health and increases energy levels and concentration. This boost in alertness and vitality is crucial for maintaining productivity throughout the workday. The dynamic nature of standing, especially when complemented with movement-promoting accessories from FluidStance, such as balance boards and anti-fatigue mats, further amplifies this benefit. Balance boards amplify this benefit by encouraging continuous, natural movements that stimulate blood flow and keep your energy levels steady throughout the day. They make standing an active, rather than static, experience. The Mayo Clinic found that FluidStance balance boards increase a user’s caloric burn by more than 19% over being seated. 

Encourages Continual Movement

The beauty of standing desks lies in their invitation for continual movement. While standing, it’s natural to shift weight, stretch, or even pace briefly, significantly contributing to overall health. Periodic movement helps relieve muscle tension, prevents stiffness, and even curb the risks associated with prolonged sedentary behavior, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. FluidStance’s offerings, like the Plane® Cloud Balance Board and the Springboard, are designed to integrate seamlessly with standing desks. These products encourage micromovements and balancing acts that make standing beneficial but also engaging and enjoyable.

Standing Desk Benefits: Boosting Physical Health

Reduced Risk Of Weight Gain And Obesity

Weight gain occurs when more calories are consumed than burned. Conversely, standing burns more calories than sitting. Therefore, using a standing desk during a typical workday can help manage weight and reduce the risk of obesity. This simple change in your workspace setup can contribute to a more active lifestyle, promoting overall health and well-being.

A balance board increases calorie burn compared to simply standing, making it an effective tool for managing weight over time. Since it engages your core and lower body muscles, a balance board helps turn your workday into an opportunity for low-impact physical activity.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have shown that standing after meals can lower blood sugar levels, a key factor in reducing the risk of diabetes. In fact, alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day can significantly improve blood sugar management, an essential aspect of maintaining physical health and preventing chronic illness.

Decreased Risk Of Heart Disease

The notion that "sitting is the new smoking" has gained traction for a good reason. Extended periods of sitting have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Incorporating a standing desk into your daily routine can counteract these risks by promoting more movement and enabling a dynamic work environment that supports cardiovascular health.

Reduced Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint among those who sit for prolonged periods. Thanks to the improved posture and increased movement they encourage, standing desks have been associated with a reduction in back pain. Users often report significant relief from lower back discomfort, making standing desks a favored solution for those seeking to improve their physical comfort while working.

Enhanced Mood And Energy Levels

Beyond the tangible physical health benefits, standing desks contribute to increased energy levels and a more positive mood. This can be attributed to the desks' promotion of movement and the consequent reduction in the symptoms of stress and fatigue. In fostering an active workspace, standing desks enhance overall well-being, tying physical health benefits to mental and emotional ones.

The Impact Of Standing Desks On Weight Management

The benefits of standing desks extend beyond alleviating the discomfort associated with prolonged sitting; they play a significant role in the fight against obesity and associated health conditions. FluidStance is one of the most studied balance boards on the market and is the category creator of balance boards for standing desks.

Calories Burned

One of the most cited benefits of standing desks is their potential to increase calorie expenditure. Fluidstance has been found to increase your caloric burn over sitting by more than 19%. Choosing to stand rather than sit lets people boost their metabolic rate, increasing the number of calories burned throughout the day.

Sustained Energy Levels And Metabolic Benefits

Standing desks encourage movement and subtle shifts in posture, which can enhance blood circulation compared to the static nature of sitting. This improved circulation can lead to better blood sugar level control, particularly after meals, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition closely linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, standing has been associated with lower fasting blood sugar levels, contributing to overall metabolic health.

Combating Sedentary Lifestyle Diseases

The accumulation of research linking sedentary lifestyles to a host of health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, underscores the need for solutions that make it easier to integrate movement into our daily routine. Standing desks serve as a simple yet effective method to combat the “sitting disease” – encouraging an active standing posture, which helps manage weight and aligns with FluidStance’s commitment to enhancing workplace wellness through sustainable and health-oriented products.

Incorporating Standing Desks In Different Work Environments

The Traditional Office

In a conventional office setting, standing desks serve as a beacon of health, inviting workers to break the chains of sedentarism. Transitioning between sitting and standing throughout the day can reduce the risk of chronic conditions associated with prolonged sitting, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. FluidStance’s range of ergonomic solutions can be integrated seamlessly, encouraging frequent posture shifts and fostering an active work environment.

The Home Office

With the rise of remote work, home offices have become a canvas for personalized workspaces. A standing desk in this environment enhances focus and energy levels and blends with personal aesthetics. Products like the lift laptop stand or the Slope™ Desk Whiteboard enhance functionality, offering compact solutions that cater to space limitations without compromising health and productivity.

A balance board complements a standing desk in home offices by providing a compact way to incorporate movement into your work routine. It’s an easy addition that keeps you active and focused, even in a smaller workspace.

Co-Working Spaces

Co-working spaces are hubs of innovation and creativity, attracting a diverse crowd, from freelancers to entrepreneurs. Incorporating standing desks in these environments echoes a commitment to fostering collaborative and healthy workspaces. FluidStance’s balance boards and anti-fatigue mats can add a kinetic element, enabling users to stay energized and productive.

Educational Settings

The benefits of standing desks extend into educational domains, where students and teachers alike can reap the rewards of increased mobility. Standing desks can facilitate better engagement, focus, and cognitive function — crucial factors in learning environments. By promoting a more active posture, these desks can combat the lethargy often associated with long periods of sitting, making them a valuable addition to classrooms and study areas.

Creative Studios

In creative workspaces like design studios or art workshops, standing desks can enhance creativity by fostering a dynamic work posture. The flexibility to move freely and adjust one's work surface invites a flow of ideas, making it a staple for artists and designers. The eco-conscious craftsmanship of FluidStance’s products further aligns with the creative industry’s values, presenting an ethically sound option for enhancing workplace ergonomics.

Standing Desk Ergonomics: Best Practices

Monitor Placement

Ensure that your monitor is placed at eye level. The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level to prevent you from tilting your head up or down, which could lead to neck strain. A monitor riser, like the Raise™ Monitor Riser from FluidStance, can help achieve the perfect height while adding valuable desk storage.

Keyboard And Mouse Position

Position your keyboard and mouse so that your elbows are close to your body and your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle. This position reduces strain on your shoulders, neck, and arms. An adjustable keyboard tray or stand can help maintain this ergonomic positioning.

Standing Mat

Standing for prolonged periods can lead to fatigue. Incorporate an anti-fatigue mat like the B+Ground™ Anti-Fatigue Mat or Springboard to provide cushioning and support, encourage subtle movements, and reduce the strain on your feet and back.

Incorporate Movement

Continuous standing in one position can be as harmful as prolonged sitting. Utilize balance boards such as The Original or Plane® Cloud Balance Board to promote gentle, constant motion. This movement enhances circulation, prevents stiffness, and increases energy expenditure.

Adjust And Alternate

Adjust your standing desk to the proper height to ensure ergonomic positioning. When typing, the desk should allow your arms to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle. Additionally, alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. A rule of thumb is to stand for 15 to 30 minutes every hour.

Personalize Your Space

Adjust your workspace to meet your specific needs. Consider using on-desk organizers like the Slope™ Desk Whiteboard for accessible note-taking and to keep your desk clutter-free. Personalizing your space can boost your mood, productivity, and willingness to maintain ergonomic practices.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating a standing desk into your workspace can significantly enhance your health and productivity by promoting more movement and reducing the sedentary lifestyle of traditional desk jobs. 

Embrace a healthier, more dynamic way of working by integrating FluidStance products into your daily routine. Experience the difference in your overall health, happiness, and productivity. Remember, a simple change in your work environment can profoundly benefit your overall well-being and work output.

Read also:

• What Exactly Is Ergonomic?
• 11 Yoga Poses For Your Workday You Can Do At Your Desk
• Why Every Office Should Have A Balance Board: Health And Productivity Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions About The Benefits Of A Standing Desk

What are the health benefits of using a standing desk?

Using a standing desk can significantly contribute to your overall health. Key benefits include enhancing posture, decreasing the risk of weight gain by promoting more movement and calorie burn and reducing the likelihood of metabolic diseases. Standing desks encourage users to alternate between sitting and standing, which can help mitigate the adverse health effects of prolonged sitting, such as diabetes and obesity.  Adding a balance board, like FluidStance, to a standing desk increases the benefits.

How does a standing desk improve productivity?

Standing desks can boost productivity by increasing energy levels and improving mood. They have the potential to enhance focus and cognitive function, so users might find themselves more engaged in their tasks. The ability to easily switch between sitting and standing can also reduce discomfort, allowing for longer periods of concentration without frequent breaks.

Can standing desks help reduce back pain?

Yes, standing desks can help alleviate back pain, especially lower back pain associated with prolonged periods of sitting. By promoting a more natural posture and allowing for frequent movement, standing desks can reduce strain on the back. However, it’s essential to maintain proper ergonomics and alternate between standings and sitting to avoid introducing new forms of strain.

Are there any cardiovascular benefits to using a standing desk?

Standing desks offer notable cardiovascular benefits. A sedentary lifestyle, including spending extended periods sitting, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Incorporating more standing into your day with a standing desk can lower these risks by promoting better circulation and a slight increase in heart rate, contributing to cardiovascular health.

Do standing desks help burn more calories?

Yes, standing desks can help users burn more calories compared to sitting. While the calorie burn rate will vary depending on individual factors like weight, standing can burn more calories due to the greater muscle activity required to maintain an upright posture. Though the difference in calorie burn might appear minor in the short term, it can accumulate significantly over time.

How does a standing desk impact mental health?

Standing desks can have a positive impact on mental health. The physical activity associated with standing more frequently can release endorphins, positively affecting mood and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. The potential for increased productivity and reduced discomfort can also contribute to a sense of well-being and accomplishment during the workday.